Set Sail on Your Next Getaway

Why limit yourself to land-based journeys when the world's oceans, rivers and seas await? Cruises run the gamut from the Caribbean to Europe's waterways to Southeast Asia's gulfs. Whether you want a luxury escape or a budget-friendly vacation, find inspiration for a sojourn at sea.

Get Inspired

10th Anniversary of Queen Mary 2

10th Anniversary of Queen Mary 2

Go back in time aboard the Queen Mary 2 and experience the grand elegance of transatlantic luxury. Cunard Cruise Line’s flagship, the last cruise ship to be built as a true ocean liner with a deeper draft and faster speed, celebrates 10 years of service this year. The ship preserves the aesthetics and lifestyle of a bygone era while providing the most modern comforts, including plush accommodations and the first ever planetarium at sea.9601280

Go back in time aboard the Queen Mary 2 and experience the grand elegance of transatlantic luxury. Cunard Cruise Line’s flagship, the last cruise ship to be built as a true ocean liner with a deeper draft and faster speed, celebrates 10 years of service this year. The ship preserves the aesthetics and lifestyle of a bygone era while providing the most modern comforts, including plush accommodations and the first ever planetarium at sea.

Cunard Line

Destination Immersion with Azamara

Destination Immersion with Azamara

Is this the year you seek a truly unique cruise? Escape the mega ships and hop onboard Azamara Club Cruises. The line’s luxurious 700-passenger ships avoid retracing the same old routes and instead cast off for exotic locales week after week. With next to no repetition, you can even create your own world cruise by staying on for as many consecutive sailings as you desire. Frequent latenight and overnight stays in port ensure plenty of time to experience destinations like no other cruise line.9601280

Is this the year you seek a truly unique cruise? Escape the mega ships and hop onboard Azamara Club Cruises. The line’s luxurious 700-passenger ships avoid retracing the same old routes and instead cast off for exotic locales week after week. With next to no repetition, you can even create your own world cruise by staying on for as many consecutive sailings as you desire. Frequent latenight and overnight stays in port ensure plenty of time to experience destinations like no other cruise line.

ChrisCruises, flickr

The All-New Quantum of the Seas

The All-New Quantum of the Seas

Of the 3 mainstream American ships launching this year, only 1 is an entirely new design – Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas. Setting sail in November, the ship will introduce a number of innovations. North Star will leisurely crane guests 300 feet above sea level for unprecedented vistas, and more thrillingly, RipCord by iFly will simulate skydiving up on deck. Two70° will be an expansive observation lounge by day and entertainment venue for aerial shows by night.9601280

Of the 3 mainstream American ships launching this year, only 1 is an entirely new design – Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas. Setting sail in November, the ship will introduce a number of innovations. North Star will leisurely crane guests 300 feet above sea level for unprecedented vistas, and more thrillingly, RipCord by iFly will simulate skydiving up on deck. Two70° will be an expansive observation lounge by day and entertainment venue for aerial shows by night.

Royal Caribbean

Dancing with the Stars: At Sea

Dancing with the Stars: At Sea

Taking to the floating stage once more in 2014 is Dancing with the Stars: At Sea. Holland America has renewed its partnership with the hit TV show, and on nearly every sailing, passengers can participate in complimentary DWTS-branded dance classes and join a competition to possibly win a free cruise and become the year’s singular guest champion. Plus, professional dancers and celebrities from the show come aboard select theme cruises to mingle with passengers and showcase their signature moves.9601280

Taking to the floating stage once more in 2014 is Dancing with the Stars: At Sea. Holland America has renewed its partnership with the hit TV show, and on nearly every sailing, passengers can participate in complimentary DWTS-branded dance classes and join a competition to possibly win a free cruise and become the year’s singular guest champion. Plus, professional dancers and celebrities from the show come aboard select theme cruises to mingle with passengers and showcase their signature moves.

Holland America Line

Carnival LIVE

Carnival LIVE

Enjoy epic concerts and fun cruises? Carnival Cruise Lines has you covered with this year’s Carnival LIVE Concert Series. Guests booked on any of 49 special sailings have the chance to attend onboard performances by their favorite musicians including Chicago, Foreigner, Lady Antebellum, REO Speedwagon and STYX. Individual tickets range in price from $20-40, depending on the performers, and $100-150 will grant you VIP access to preferred seats and an exclusive meet-and-greet with the band.9601280

Enjoy epic concerts and fun cruises? Carnival Cruise Lines has you covered with this year’s Carnival LIVE Concert Series. Guests booked on any of 49 special sailings have the chance to attend onboard performances by their favorite musicians including Chicago, Foreigner, Lady Antebellum, REO Speedwagon and STYX. Individual tickets range in price from $20-40, depending on the performers, and $100-150 will grant you VIP access to preferred seats and an exclusive meet-and-greet with the band.

Carnival Cruise Line

Cruise Miami-Style on the Norwegian Getaway

Cruise Miami-Style on the Norwegian Getaway

The New York-inspired Norwegian Breakaway made quite the splash when the ship began sailing from the Big Apple last year. Norwegian Cruise Line’s follow-up is this year’s sister ship, Norwegian Getaway, sailing year-round from Miami. Only on this ship will you find the “Illusionarium” dinner magic venue and the GRAMMY Experience with performances by past award winners and nominees. Also, “Legally Blond” is exclusively onboard as the ship’s signature production show.9601280

The New York-inspired Norwegian Breakaway made quite the splash when the ship began sailing from the Big Apple last year. Norwegian Cruise Line’s follow-up is this year’s sister ship, Norwegian Getaway, sailing year-round from Miami. Only on this ship will you find the “Illusionarium” dinner magic venue and the GRAMMY Experience with performances by past award winners and nominees. Also, “Legally Blond” is exclusively onboard as the ship’s signature production show.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Top Chef on Celebrity Cruises

Top Chef on Celebrity Cruises

Culinary connoisseurs rejoice! Celebrity Cruises and Bravo have teamed up to present Top Chef at Sea. Excluding the Celebrity Xpedition, all cruises on the line’s ships feature Quickfire Challenges and main dining room menus inspired by the Emmy award-winning TV show. Activities expand on Top Chef Signature Sailings with the opportunity to meet and enjoy the food of 4 chef contestants from the show, as well as enjoy chef demos, private cooking classes and special dinners of their creation.9601280

Culinary connoisseurs rejoice! Celebrity Cruises and Bravo have teamed up to present Top Chef at Sea. Excluding the Celebrity Xpedition, all cruises on the line’s ships feature Quickfire Challenges and main dining room menus inspired by the Emmy award-winning TV show. Activities expand on Top Chef Signature Sailings with the opportunity to meet and enjoy the food of 4 chef contestants from the show, as well as enjoy chef demos, private cooking classes and special dinners of their creation.

Celeberity Cruises

The Royal Experience on the Regal Princess

The Royal Experience on the Regal Princess

Be treated like royalty onboard Princess Cruises. Following last year’s introduction of the new Royal Princess – christened by Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge – its sister ship, the Regal Princess, will set sail this May. It’s not yet known who will christen the new cruise ship, but it will feature the same amenities as the Royal Princess including the cantilevered and glass-floored SeaWalk.9601280

Be treated like royalty onboard Princess Cruises. Following last year’s introduction of the new Royal Princess – christened by Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge – its sister ship, the Regal Princess, will set sail this May. It’s not yet known who will christen the new cruise ship, but it will feature the same amenities as the Royal Princess including the cantilevered and glass-floored SeaWalk.

Princess Cruises

Family Fun on the Disney Magic

Family Fun on the Disney Magic

Telling new stories through new features, the redesigned Disney Magic from Disney Cruise Line is a cruising haven for families. The new AquaLab, along with the free-fall AquaDunk and oscillating Twist ’n’ Spout water slides, energizes aquatic play. Everyone can see their own character drawings come to life onscreen at Animator’s Palate, and kids can become an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. at Marvel’s Avengers Academy. Meanwhile, adults can escape to After Hours, an exclusive spot for those 18 and older.9601280

Telling new stories through new features, the redesigned Disney Magic from Disney Cruise Line is a cruising haven for families. The new AquaLab, along with the free-fall AquaDunk and oscillating Twist ’n’ Spout water slides, energizes aquatic play. Everyone can see their own character drawings come to life onscreen at Animator’s Palate, and kids can become an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. at Marvel’s Avengers Academy. Meanwhile, adults can escape to After Hours, an exclusive spot for those 18 and older.

Disney/Matt Stroshane

River Cruising Expands

River Cruising Expands

Looking for a more intimate cruising experience beyond the sea? Ever popular river cruises continue to make waves in 2014. Viking River Cruises has 14 new riverboats coming online for 2014, bringing the total count of its revolutionary new Longship vessels to 30. Also this year, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises goes entirely all-inclusive, bundling complimentary gratuities and unlimited beverages into the cruise fare.9601280

Looking for a more intimate cruising experience beyond the sea? Ever popular river cruises continue to make waves in 2014. Viking River Cruises has 14 new riverboats coming online for 2014, bringing the total count of its revolutionary new Longship vessels to 30. Also this year, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises goes entirely all-inclusive, bundling complimentary gratuities and unlimited beverages into the cruise fare.

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RSVP Vacations Self-proclaimed “originator of the gay and lesbian cruise concept,” RSVP Cruises has welcomed more than 35,000 LGBT guests since its opening in 1985. Their focus is on fun, including kayaking, shopping, and after-hours activities like gay bingo, leather and underwear parties or costume contests.9601280

RSVP Vacations Self-proclaimed “originator of the gay and lesbian cruise concept,” RSVP Cruises has welcomed more than 35,000 LGBT guests since its opening in 1985. Their focus is on fun, including kayaking, shopping, and after-hours activities like gay bingo, leather and underwear parties or costume contests.

RSVP Vacations/GBG Photography

The Red Sea

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Undersea Expeditions Explore the world, underwater! Undersea Expeditions’ exquisite scuba vacations provide gay and lesbian travelers with a unique way to see the world. Novice and experienced divers can take scuba trips to Maldives Indian Ocean, Philippines Coral Triangle, Egypt’s Red Sea and other fun destinations.9601280

Undersea Expeditions Explore the world, underwater! Undersea Expeditions’ exquisite scuba vacations provide gay and lesbian travelers with a unique way to see the world. Novice and experienced divers can take scuba trips to Maldives Indian Ocean, Philippines Coral Triangle, Egypt’s Red Sea and other fun destinations.

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Aquafest Cruises, men dressed in drag

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Aquafest Cruises Aquafest is 1 of the largest sellers of gay and lesbian group cruises in the US. Afternoon T-dances, single get-togethers and gay beach parties are just a couple organized activities. This travel company also helps schedule smaller gay and lesbian groups on world-class cruise lines. Let the fun begin!9601280

Aquafest Cruises Aquafest is 1 of the largest sellers of gay and lesbian group cruises in the US. Afternoon T-dances, single get-togethers and gay beach parties are just a couple organized activities. This travel company also helps schedule smaller gay and lesbian groups on world-class cruise lines. Let the fun begin!

Marc Garcia

Atlantis Events , Afternoon T-Dance

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Atlantis Events Atlantis prides itself on being the largest gay and lesbian tour operator in the world, attracting 20,000 travelers each year. Book 1 of their cruises on a top-rated ship, and explore Rome, Mykonos, Istanbul, St. Barths, Barbados, Copenhagen and many more fun destinations.9601280

Atlantis Events Atlantis prides itself on being the largest gay and lesbian tour operator in the world, attracting 20,000 travelers each year. Book 1 of their cruises on a top-rated ship, and explore Rome, Mykonos, Istanbul, St. Barths, Barbados, Copenhagen and many more fun destinations.

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Sweet Sweet mixes the best in lesbian travel with environmental awareness, allowing guests to enjoy the world, while also making it a better place. All of their vacations are carbon neutral, yet they still travel to amazing destinations. And yes, there are top-notch lesbian entertainers and wild parties, but they also raise money for worthy causes.9601280

Sweet Sweet mixes the best in lesbian travel with environmental awareness, allowing guests to enjoy the world, while also making it a better place. All of their vacations are carbon neutral, yet they still travel to amazing destinations. And yes, there are top-notch lesbian entertainers and wild parties, but they also raise money for worthy causes.

Andrew Broan

Hanns Ebensten Travel, Gay traveler in Southeast Asia

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Hanns Ebensten Travel Hanns Ebensten Travel creates trips to take travelers to exotic destinations, including Southeast Asia, Egypt, Israel, Peru and Namibia. Small groups, personal touches and a unique style set them apart from other tour companies.9601280

Hanns Ebensten Travel Hanns Ebensten Travel creates trips to take travelers to exotic destinations, including Southeast Asia, Egypt, Israel, Peru and Namibia. Small groups, personal touches and a unique style set them apart from other tour companies.

Chuck Fleck

Alyson Adventures, Camping in the Swiss Alps

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Alyson AdventuresThis tour company is about small, intimate groups for outdoor adventures, which include hiking in the Swiss Alps or scuba diving in the Caribbean. Alyson Adventures offers active getaways for gay men, lesbians and their friends.9601280

Alyson AdventuresThis tour company is about small, intimate groups for outdoor adventures, which include hiking in the Swiss Alps or scuba diving in the Caribbean. Alyson Adventures offers active getaways for gay men, lesbians and their friends.

Andrew Broan

Olivia, Women on the beach

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Olivia Olivia has been the leader in lesbian cruises and resort vacations for the last 20 years. They charter entire ships or rent out entire resorts. Costa Rica, Whales and Sea of Cortez, Barcelona to Rome and Splendor of Scandinavia and Russia are a few of their charter cruises. An additional perk is that travelers can connect with other ladies on their boat beforehand via Olivia’s social networking site.9601280

Olivia Olivia has been the leader in lesbian cruises and resort vacations for the last 20 years. They charter entire ships or rent out entire resorts. Costa Rica, Whales and Sea of Cortez, Barcelona to Rome and Splendor of Scandinavia and Russia are a few of their charter cruises. An additional perk is that travelers can connect with other ladies on their boat beforehand via Olivia’s social networking site.

Olivia

Two men walking on the beach

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Source Events For almost 10 years, Source Events has customized trips for gay travelers, taking them to places like the Caribbean Islands, South Africa, Austria and Machu Picchu. This tour company is the perfect choice if you’re adventurous and a thrill-seeker.9601280

Source Events For almost 10 years, Source Events has customized trips for gay travelers, taking them to places like the Caribbean Islands, South Africa, Austria and Machu Picchu. This tour company is the perfect choice if you’re adventurous and a thrill-seeker.

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Pied Piper Travel, Friends on a cruiseship's deck

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Pied Piper Travel Each trip with Pied Piper Travel offers exquisite dining, elegant events, special shore excursions and other personal touches that make their trips anything but mainstream. Book your reservations with this tour company to visit Bermuda, Australia, the French Riviera, Panama, the Canary Islands, Croatia, Alaska and many more destinations.9601280

Pied Piper Travel Each trip with Pied Piper Travel offers exquisite dining, elegant events, special shore excursions and other personal touches that make their trips anything but mainstream. Book your reservations with this tour company to visit Bermuda, Australia, the French Riviera, Panama, the Canary Islands, Croatia, Alaska and many more destinations.

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Vampires at Sea CruiseBe sure to bring your garlic and crucifix on board for this creepy cruise that features a Q&A with “Guests from the Vampire World,” a scavenger hunt and a vampire ball with “vampalicious” drinks. 9601280

Vampires at Sea CruiseBe sure to bring your garlic and crucifix on board for this creepy cruise that features a Q&A with “Guests from the Vampire World,” a scavenger hunt and a vampire ball with “vampalicious” drinks.

Thinkstock

Beatles Cruise

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Beatles Tribute CruiseGet a dose of Beatlemania while having fun in the sun on the high seas. Fans can expect to sing along to multiple tribute artists, learn to play the guitar like George Harrison and John Lennon (OK, maybe not quite), and attend storytelling sessions about their favorite band.9601280

Beatles Tribute CruiseGet a dose of Beatlemania while having fun in the sun on the high seas. Fans can expect to sing along to multiple tribute artists, learn to play the guitar like George Harrison and John Lennon (OK, maybe not quite), and attend storytelling sessions about their favorite band.

Getty Images

MacMania

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MacMania CruiseApple geeks of the world, unite! Meet fellow Mac nerds on this techie cruise. Onboard seminars range from “Getting to Know Your First iPad” to “Speeding Up Your Mac.”9601280

MacMania CruiseApple geeks of the world, unite! Meet fellow Mac nerds on this techie cruise. Onboard seminars range from “Getting to Know Your First iPad” to “Speeding Up Your Mac.”

Apple

Soul Train

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Soul Train CruisePay tribute to the Soul Train on this funky-fun cruise, featuring performances from some of the most legendary artists in R&B history. 9601280

Soul Train CruisePay tribute to the Soul Train on this funky-fun cruise, featuring performances from some of the most legendary artists in R&B history.

Getty Images

Elvis Cruise

Elvis Cruise

Embark on this annual cruise that celebrates the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. On board, you can expect to run into some of Elvis’s movie costars and rock out to some of the world’s best Elvis tribute artists.9601280

Embark on this annual cruise that celebrates the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. On board, you can expect to run into some of Elvis’s movie costars and rock out to some of the world’s best Elvis tribute artists.

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Malt Shop Memories CruiseGet a healthy dose of nostalgia when you cruise to the Caribbean with your favorite ’50s artists. Attend a sock hop, show off your skills in a twist contest, or even play a round of bingo on the high seas! 9601280

Malt Shop Memories CruiseGet a healthy dose of nostalgia when you cruise to the Caribbean with your favorite ’50s artists. Attend a sock hop, show off your skills in a twist contest, or even play a round of bingo on the high seas!

Thinkstock

Quilt Cruise

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Quilt CruisesJoin fellow quilters on one of the many quilt cruises that set sail every year. Use the on-board sewing machines, attend classes from award-winning instructors, and even tour quilt guilds and shops at some of the cruise destinations.9601280

Quilt CruisesJoin fellow quilters on one of the many quilt cruises that set sail every year. Use the on-board sewing machines, attend classes from award-winning instructors, and even tour quilt guilds and shops at some of the cruise destinations.

Thinkstock

Penguin Lovers

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Penguin Lovers CruiseCruise through Antarctica’s Far East and get the chance to see multiple species of penguins in their natural habitat. 9601280

Penguin Lovers CruiseCruise through Antarctica’s Far East and get the chance to see multiple species of penguins in their natural habitat.

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Nude CruiseTake it all off and channel your inner nudist on a nude cruise. 9601280

Nude CruiseTake it all off and channel your inner nudist on a nude cruise.

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Kiss Kruise

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Kiss KruiseParty with your favorite rockers on board the KISS Kruise for a “wet, wild and rockin” time. Be sure to bring your face paint and krazy clothes. 9601280

Kiss KruiseParty with your favorite rockers on board the KISS Kruise for a “wet, wild and rockin” time. Be sure to bring your face paint and krazy clothes.

Getty Images

Mark Twain

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Mark Twain Tribute CruiseCruise down the Mississippi on this all-American cruise. Stop in Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, MO, and explore the setting for Twain’s novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.9601280

Mark Twain Tribute CruiseCruise down the Mississippi on this all-American cruise. Stop in Mark Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, MO, and explore the setting for Twain’s novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Hulton Archive

Sail With Kate

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Sail With KateDid you think you wouldn’t see much more of Kate Gosselin after the demise of Kate Plus 8? Well, think again. Get the chance to meet this famous mom on a weeklong cruise that will feature private dining events and a Q&A session.9601280

Sail With KateDid you think you wouldn’t see much more of Kate Gosselin after the demise of Kate Plus 8? Well, think again. Get the chance to meet this famous mom on a weeklong cruise that will feature private dining events and a Q&A session.

Getty Images

Hogs on High Seas

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Hogs on High Seas CruiseGrab your biker gear and get ready for the “world’s only rally on a cruise ship,” where “Hogs” ditch their bikes in favor of a much larger mode of transportation. Note: bring leather for “formal night.”9601280

Hogs on High Seas CruiseGrab your biker gear and get ready for the “world’s only rally on a cruise ship,” where “Hogs” ditch their bikes in favor of a much larger mode of transportation. Note: bring leather for “formal night.”

Thinkstock

Polka cruise

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Polka Cruise With the StarsThis annual cruise features some of the biggest names in polka. Attend a polka party and even “polka Mass” on Sunday morning. 9601280

Polka Cruise With the StarsThis annual cruise features some of the biggest names in polka. Attend a polka party and even “polka Mass” on Sunday morning.

GeeJo, Wikimedia Commons

Knitting

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Knitting CruisesSet sail aboard one of the many relaxing knitting cruises offered -- believe it or not -- to avid knitters. Take classes from top instructors, attend lectures, or meet fellow hobbyists at an onboard mixer.9601280

Knitting CruisesSet sail aboard one of the many relaxing knitting cruises offered -- believe it or not -- to avid knitters. Take classes from top instructors, attend lectures, or meet fellow hobbyists at an onboard mixer.

Thinkstock

Regis

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Regis Philbin CruiseEvery dreamed of cozying-up to Regis like Kelly or Kathy Lee? Here’s your chance! Regis is set to schmooze with guests on a luxury cruise this year. 9601280

Regis Philbin CruiseEvery dreamed of cozying-up to Regis like Kelly or Kathy Lee? Here’s your chance! Regis is set to schmooze with guests on a luxury cruise this year.